Horse country beyond the bluegrass…
If you’re looking for a more rugged equine experience than the horse farms and tracks provide, see southeastern Kentucky from the saddle:
Little Shepherd Trail
Little Shepherd Trail is a 38 mile narrow road on the crest of Pine Mountain and is perfect for horseback. The Trail is comprised of paved portions as well as more primitive sections. This serpentine route twists though numerous refreshing overlooks and massive, spine-like rock out-croppings. Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel bloom profusely in craggy exposures.
The trail welcomes hikers, cyclists, and vehicle traffic along with riders on horseback. ATVs are not permitted.
Hensley Settlement
Hensley Settlement is a mountaintop settlement established in 1904 and occupied until 1951. While the settlement never modernized and it now stands as a living history museum within the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Visitors can explore the grounds including structures like the blacksmith’s shop, the spring house, and the one room schoolhouse. Horseback riders can access the settlement via a wagon road just as generations have done for centuries. While horses are permitted on the trail leading to the settlement, they are not permitted within the settlement. Riders should dismount and leave their horses in the hitching area provided.
English Creek Stables
English Creek Stables is an 11 stall boarding facility located on highway 119 across from Harlan County High School. Aside from stalls and boarding, English Creek Stables also offers pony rides for those beginning horseback riders, horse back riding lessons, and they also have event rentals for weddings, birthday parties, and other events.
On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month, English Creek Stables also offers a movie night at the stables.
For more information on the stables, event rentals, movie nights, or how to board your horse, click the more button below to go to their website.
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